Lysimachia aurea
perennial

Golden Creeping Jenny

Lysimachia aurea

The Story

Plant Bio

A vigorous, mat-forming perennial groundcover with rounded, golden-yellow leaves. Bright, cup-shaped yellow flowers appear in early to mid-summer. Excellent for spilling over walls, groundcover, or in containers.

The key feature of the 'Aurea' cultivar is its brilliant chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage. The color is most vibrant in full sun; in shadier conditions, the leaves become more lime-green.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesLysimachia aurea offers vibrant yellow foliage that brightens shaded and sunny areas, providing year-round visual interest.
Practical UsesIt acts as a groundcover that suppresses weeds and stabilizes soil.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

4 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe, Southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Can cause minor skin irritation. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested.

Bloom period

Mid-summer โ€“ Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose well-drained soil with moderate moisture levels.
  2. Plant in full sun or partial shade for optimal growth.
  3. Tuck seeds lightly into soil and water gently.
  4. Maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season.
  5. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer for vigorous foliage.
  6. Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushy growth.

Pro Tip

Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist ๐Ÿ’ง
  • Prune after flowering to maintain shape โœ‚๏ธ
  • Fertilize monthly during the growing season ๐ŸŒฑ

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot โŒ
  • Do not allow soil to dry out completely
  • Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Fertilize
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright groundcover with golden foliageAccent plant in bordersContainer plant for sunny patios

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Creeping Jenny questions

What zones can Golden Creeping Jenny grow in?

Golden Creeping Jenny is hardy in USDA Zones 4โ€“9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Golden Creeping Jenny deer resistant?

Yes โ€” Golden Creeping Jenny is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Golden Creeping Jenny bloom?

Golden Creeping Jenny typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone โ€” Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Golden Creeping Jenny need full sun?

Golden Creeping Jenny does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Golden Creeping Jenny with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.